GROWN UPS 2

Plot:

Well the gang Lenny (Sandler), Eric (James), Kurt (Rock) and Marcus (Spade) are back together again, this time they have all moved back to the small town of their youth so that they can all hang out again. All facing new challenges in their separate lives but when they get together mayhem is sure to follow. But this time around the men are faced with a new threat to their town, the takeover by a group of college frat bullies led Taylor Lautner and it will all be settled by a big showdown at Lenny's retro 80's party.


Reel Talk:

Ok these guys are a funny bunch of guys and now they have even added a few new comers to add to the comedic stupidity Shaquille O'Neal, Taylor Lautner and Stone Cold Steve Austin. This is a funny movie but the only problem is that they tend to run a few of the jokes repeatedly into the ground. They are funny the first time round then they just become a failed attempt to keep it going. But this is still a good funny movie that will supply you with some laughs so this is one to check out.

Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Salma Hayek, Maria Bello and Shaquille O'Neal
Directed by:Dennis Dugan
Rated: PG-13

I give it 3 corn dogs

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

PACIFIC RIM

Plot:

With the world facing a possible takeover by huge alien sea creatures called Kaijus the army battles back with a government funded program that uses giant robots named Jaegers that is controlled by a two man team that syncs their minds together for united control of the unit led by Stacker Pentacost (Elba). While the Kaijus continue to grow in numbers and strength, the Jaeger program is on the verge of folding because the government feels the program is not effective so Stacker goes rogue with the program and enlist the service of Raleigh Becket (Hunnam) one of the best robot operators who washed out after losing his sync partner who was his brother while in combat with on of the alien beast. Together along with a small rag tag group of giant robot operators they have one last attempt at stopping the annihilation of the human race.


Reel Talk:

This is what I call a stew movie, they take bits from a lot of movies and mesh it into one. You get Godzilla, Aliens, Giant Robot and Transformers just to name a few. But despite the movie rip offs, this still was an entertaining film. The aliens looked a little cheesy but the robots were somewhat impressive. Idris put in a good performance as the head of the Jaeger program and Charlie Hunnam of Sons Of Anarchy fame was good as burned out Becket. Be sure to keep an eye out for Ron Perlman's scene and see if you can guess what movie it was stolen from...LOL. A good not great movie to catch, worth cashing out.

Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Max Martini, Clifton Collins Jr. and Ron Perlman
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Rated: PG-13

I give it 3 corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

THE LONE RANGER

Plot:

When a train transporting the ruthless outlaw Butch Cavendish (Fichtner) is overtaken by his men and they manage to break him out of custody, Assistant Deputy Attorney John Reid (Hammer) and his brother Deputy Ranger Dan Reid (Dale) along with his fellow Rangers set out to recapture Cavendish to bring him to justice. While out scouting the group gets ambushed, gunned down and left for dead until a mysterious Indian named Tonto (Depp) comes along and realizes that John is still alive. Tonto nurses him back to health and informs him to wear a mask to conceal his true identity leaving his enemies to believe he is dead, hence becoming The Lone Ranger. Together the pair set out to get Cavendish and the secret person behind his reign of terror.


Reel Talk:

One word....WHACK! Growing up as a fan to The Lone Ranger television series, I was hoping that the movie would be somewhat worthwhile but sorry that was not the case. The Lone Ranger who was always a strong, confident symbol of justice is depicted as a bumbling, stumbling coward and then Tonto who is pitted along side him for the comedic humor. They really tried to make this entertaining but it completely falls short and the story is just all over the place. I got to be honest that I even caught myself dozing a few times because of the boring dialog. Don't waste your money on this one.

Starring: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, William Fichtner, Tom Wilkson, Ruth Wilson, Helena Bonham Carter and James Badge Dale
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Rated: PG-13

I give it 2 corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

A BAND CALLED DEATH

Plot:

Back in the early 70's three young brothers David, Bobby and Dannis Hackney who while growing up on the eastside of Detroit formed a band and eventually called themselves DEATH. After attending a few rock concerts by Alice Cooper and The Who, the brothers were intent on being rock and roll stars hoping on getting a record deal. Well they cut some tracks and get the opportunity of their lives to sign with a major label but they would have to change the name of the band to which they refused. So with no deal they move on with their lives as struggling musicians tucking the masters of their music away in the attic of Bobby's house to collect dust until some 30 years later and after the same music they were playing has now become popular by way of such acts as The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, MC5, etc..., now somehow their music has resurfaced and has taken the punk rock cultural by storm.


Reel Talk:

This documentary about the Hackney brothers aka DEATH is definitely an interesting and enlightening movie. This is like an urban Cinderella story, to see how after 30's  this group is finally getting their accolades for the music that would eventually become known as punk rock. It is truly unfortunate that brother and band leader David Hackney passed before these things developed but he foresaw these things happening back then and told his brothers back then that people will be coming for their music. Now with the new found fame brothers Bobby and Dannis along with the newest band member Bobbie Duncan who is filling in for David are now doing concerts through out the country, showing people that they are the real deal. This is a good movie and definitely worth checking out.

Starring: Bobby Hackney Sr., Dannis Hackney, David Hackney, Bobbie Duncan, Alice Cooper, Henry Rollins, Elijah Woods and Kid Rock
Directed by: Mark Christopher Covino and Jeff Howlett

I give it 4 corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

WHITE HOUSE DOWN

Plot:

Channing Tatum plays Cale, a security agent who has an estranged relationship with his young daughter and believes that if he can get a job becoming a Special Agent assigned to protect the President (Foxx) who she idols, he can win her over. On the day for his interview he takes her along to enjoy a tour of the White House, but before they can leave the compound it comes under attack and everyone is taken hostage with the exception of Cale who managed to get away and President Sawyer who Cale saved. The two must work together as well as against the clock to stop a worldwide nuclear attack and to save Cale's daughter and the other hostages.


Reel Talk:

OK this is the second film this year depicting the compromising and fall of the White House as this one follows Olympus Has Fallen. Are they trying to tell us something with these films??? At best White House Down is entertaining, emphasizing on the team efforts of Tatum and Foxx where as Olympus is non stop action but both giving ideas of how easy it is to attack the White House. But I am also confused as to how Tatum got billed over Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx? Again this is an entertaining movie, just not a must see.

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins and James Wood
Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Rated: PG-13

I give it 3 corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

THE HEAT

Plot:

FBI Agent Sarah Ashburn (Bullock) is hot on the trail of a mysterious drug dealer but in order to get even closer to catch him, see reluctantly must team up with Boston Police Detective Shannon Mullins (McCarthy) who has an unorthodox style but always manages to catch her perpetrator. Teamed up the two law enforcers rip through Boston to get their man and must work to protect Mullins' family because of the involvement that her brother has with the crime lord.


Reel Talk:

Bullock and McCarthy as the new female odd couple cop team to rival the likes of Cagney and Lacey, the chemistry is just OK. They manage to click but it just doesn't sell the movie. They tend to work harder for the laughs rather than to intensify the suspenseful action, but still falls short when it comes to the comedic effort. This one you can go see it at your own risk or you can just catch Rizzoli and Isles on cable for free.

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport and Joey McIntyre
Directed by: Paul Feig
Rated: R

I give it 2 and a half eaten corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler